BMW pushes again with upgraded X1

BMW Group president Philipp Von Sahr and Bollywood actress Dia Mirza with the refreshed BMW X1.

Hounded by country mate Audi for the No. 1 position in the domestic luxury car market, BMW launched a facelifted version of its entry level SUV X1 with a price tag of Rs.27.90-32.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Munich-based firm has discontinued the petrol variants of the model, which has resulted in a steep increase in the prices of its entry level variant.

The petrol variant used to come at an entry level sticker price of Rs.24.5 lakh.

Even the diesel variant is dearer by Rs.40,000. The price increases notwithstanding, X1 remains the cheapest BMW on offer today.

BMW said it has so far sold 5,435 units of the X1 since its launch in January 2007. In 2012, the company sold a total of 9,375 units in India, managing to hold on to the leadership position for the fourth straight year.

This year, it is looking to grow its sales amid tough market conditions on the back of new model introductions and new dealerships. It will also launch its first small car--1 series, by the end of this year.

"This year we are looking at a certain growth in India," said Philipp Von Sahr, president, BMW Group India.

"This will be on the back of new models such as the new X1 and 1 series, which will be launched towards the end of the year."

The X1 is powered by a 2-litre diesel engine and will be available in three variants.